IMPORTANT: Aimed at the general public, the Bücco Guide is a general educational guide. Its content presents some of the most common dental practices. However, there are many approaches and philosophies in dentistry and your dentist / specialist will be able to advise you on what he believes to be the most appropriate for your oral health. Do not hesitate to consult a dentist / specialist for more information.
Saliva is made by the salivary glands. These are of two kinds: the main glands and the secondary glands. Whether they belong to one or the other category, they may, at one time or another, have a condition that may or may not cause pain. |
The main salivary glands are identical on each side of the mouth. There are three of them:
|
There are three causes of inflammation and infection of a salivary gland:
|
A number of factors can contribute to salivary gland infections. The elderly, those with inadequate oral hygiene or those affected by the mumps virus are at greater risk of developing an infection of the salivary glands. Some chronic conditions also increase the risk of infection of the salivary glands. These are most often people whose immune systems are compromised for a variety of reasons, including:
|
Do not delay in consulting a trusted doctor or dentist to assess the severity of the condition. If necessary, the dentist may prescribe additional examinations, such as an ultrasound or a “sialography” (radiography using an opaque liquid) to look for the exact cause (calculation, tumour…) In order to detect a possible anomaly of “amylasemia” (enzyme produced by the pancreas and saliva glands), the specialist may prescribe a blood test. While waiting for your dentist appointment, you can:
|
Treatments vary according to the pathologies, the severity of the infection, its underlying cause and any additional symptoms (such as swelling or pain).
|
Untreated infection can lead to purulent abscesses of the salivary glands. In addition, an unremoved tumour can cause infection and subsequent dilation of the salivary glands. Some facial deformities may be caused by a malignant tumour that develops rapidly. Parotidites, even after treatment, should be monitored; the swelling caused can cause the destruction of the affected glands. |
There is no way to prevent the infection of a salivary gland. The best way to reduce the risk is to drink plenty of water and maintain good oral hygiene. This involves brushing your teeth 2 to 3 times a day, as well as flossing. It is also essential to visit your attending dentist for an annual or biennial examination and cleaning or at the recommended frequency. |
Painful gums (adult)
Sore gums (baby)
Diffuse pain affecting a part of the face (facial neuralgia or trigeminal neuralgia)
Tooth decay
Dental hypersensitivity
Pain in one milk tooth
Pain following extraction of wisdom teeth, impacted tooth
Pain following the extraction of one or more teeth (dry alveolitis)
Pain at pressure
Dental pain
Pain in the salivary glands
Ask a question